pull one's socks up: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  British EnglishAustralian EnglishNew Zealand Englishinformal
  • To make an effort to improve one's performance, behaviour, or standards.
  • To become more competent, disciplined, or effective after a period of poor performance or laxity.

  Examples

  Beta

  • After his grades slipped last semester, John decided to pull his socks up and study harder.

    Después de que sus notas bajaron el semestre pasado, John decidió ponerse las pilas y estudiar más.

  • If you want to keep your job, you’ll have to pull your socks up and meet the deadlines.

    Si quieres conservar tu trabajo, tendrás que esforzarte y cumplir con los plazos.

  • The coach told the players to pull their socks up before the next big game.

    El entrenador les dijo a los jugadores que se esforzaran más antes del próximo gran partido.